Big Mac Sliders

If you’re of a certain age you might remember the old Big Mac jingle that started with: Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.

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Your Shopping List

The list might seem a little long, but these ingredients are all super simple!

A full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the printable recipe card below.

  • Lean ground beef – Using lean ground beef will minimize the need to drain excess grease. Of course, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken, too.
  • Yellow or white onion – Dice the pieces so that they’re very small. 
  • Salt – Typical fine sea salt will work well for this. 
  • Black pepper – Just shake it from your table shaker.
  • Garlic powder – No need to get fancy with mincing garlic — powder will do the trick. 
  • Onion powder – Just grab this pantry staple and shake it in. 
  • American or sharp cheddar cheese – We like using deli-sliced American cheese slices but cheddar will work, too. 
  • Shredded lettuce – It can’t be like the classic without lettuce that’s shredded. Buy it already prepared at the store, or just grab some iceberg lettuce and slice it up.
  • Sliced pickles – Dill is the preferred variety for this, but you can use bread and butter if it’s your personal preference. 
  • Salted Butter – Melt the butter in the microwave in intervals so that it’s easy to brush on top of the bread. 
  • Sesame seeds – These are optional, but they add the classic flair and flavor to the sliders. 
  • Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls – Choose whichever you prefer (or is available) for your Big Mac sliders. Plain dinner rolls will work, too.

Sauce

  • Mayonnaise – Use whichever brand you prefer, but to stick to classic flavors, avoid any that are sweet.
  • Relish – Grab your favorite jar of sweet relish to make this sauce. 
  • Mustard – Standard yellow mustard is all you need. 
  • Paprika – This adds a touch of sweetness, peppery flavor, and color. 
  • Ketchup – No need to be picky about the brand — just use what you have, or your favorite variety.
  • Onion powder – Grab this staple from your pantry or find it in the spice section.
  • Garlic powder – Of course, you need garlic flavor. Add it with this.

Ready, Set, Cook!

In just a few quick steps, you’ll have a pan full of delicious, easy Big Mac sliders that everyone will want to scarf.

  1. Brown Beef. After preheating a large skillet, add ground beef, half of the diced onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brown the beef completely.
  2. Prep Rolls. With a serrated knife, cut the attached rolls in half lengthwise (do not separate) and place the bottom buns in a prepared baking dish or on a baking sheet. Using a serrated knife will easily cut the bread without squashing it down.
  3. Make Sauce. Place all of the Big Mac sauce ingredients in one mixing bowl and mix until completely combined. Generously spread the sauce onto the bottom of the sliced rolls. 
  4. Assemble the Sliders. Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture onto the rolls and top with sliced cheese, lettuce, and pickles. Top the beef mixture with a small amount of sauce before adding the top buns.
  5. Baste. Use a brush to apply the melted butter to the top of the buns and sprinkle with sesame seeds. 
  6. Cook. Place in a preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melty and the sliders are hot. 
  7. Cool. Allow to cool briefly before cutting and serving.
big mac slider on cutting board

5S Philosophy 👩🏻‍🍳

    • Salt – A little fine sea salt is all you need to bring out the rich, savory flavor of the beef. Since the cheese, pickles, and sauce all add their own salty punch, just a sprinkle does the trick.

    • Seasoning – A simple blend of black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder gives the beef a well-rounded flavor without overpowering the classic Big Mac taste. These pantry staples add just enough depth to make every bite irresistibly good.

    • Sauces – What’s a Big Mac-inspired slider without that signature sauce? A creamy, tangy special sauce ties everything together, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese with a little zip. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy aioli or a smoky barbecue mayo for a twist.

    • Swaps – Ground beef keeps things traditional, but ground turkey or chicken can lighten it up without losing flavor. American cheese melts into that classic creamy layer, but if you like a sharper bite, go for cheddar. And while dill pickles are a must for some, bread and butter pickles add a little sweetness if that’s your thing!

    • Senses – As the beef sizzles in the pan, the scent of garlic and onion fills the air, instantly making your kitchen smell like a burger joint. The soft, buttery slider buns soak up all the juicy goodness, while the crunch of lettuce and pickles adds the perfect contrast. Take a bite, and it’s everything you love about a Big Mac — just in a fun, bite-sized package!

What Goes Great With It

You can absolutely serve anything from potato chips to tater tots but the absolutely natural choice to serve with sliders that are replicating a Big Mac is a plate full of crispy french fries. Go traditional with air fryer french fries or dress them up and make ranch bacon cheese fries, parmesan truffle fries, or garlic cheese fries.

You can also mix sweet fries with your savory burgers by offering up brown sugar cinnamon sweet potato fries. Or, whip up a tasty veggie alternative with zucchini fries.

sauce ingredients in a bowl

Storage 

Write a quick overall sentence about storing this recipe without many details. Keep the exact same formatting.

Make Ahead

Make the meat ahead and then reheat before preparing the sandwiches. Keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours in an airtight container

Refrigerator

You can store leftover Big Mac sliders in the fridge for 2-3 days wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or kept in an airtight container or ziploc bag. 

Freezer

We do not recommend freezing Big Mac sliders.

Common Questions About Big Mac Sliders

Is Thousand Island dressing the same as Big Mac Sauce? 

Nope! These two are different, though they have similar flavors. 

Are sliders just mini burgers? 

Sliders in the U.S. have become known as really any small version of a sandwich. Whether it’s burgers, pulled pork, or any other popular sandwich, they can be recreated in a smaller form as a slider. 

Does Hidden Valley Secret Sauce taste like Big Mac Sauce?

The rumor is, according to online reviews, that this is a solid copycat version of McD’s special sauce that you can buy at major stores like Walmart. Feel free to swap our sauce recipe out for it and let us know.

collage of big mac sliders for pinterest

Other Fun Sandwiches and Sliders

Looking for fun party sandwiches or sliders? We have all the goodness!

big mac slider with text overlay for pinterest
pickles and big mac sliders on a cutting board

Big Mac Sliders

4.04 from 30 votes
These easy Big Mac sliders combine all of the flavors and textures of the classic McDonald's burger in a simple recipe great for a crowd!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders

Ingredients

Sauce:

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large pan on medium-heat, add the ground beef, half of the diced onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Carefully cut the rolls in half lengthwise with a serrated or sharp knife. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine the mayo, relish, mustard, ketchup, onion powder and garlic powder and mix. Spread half of the sauce on the bottom layer of the rolls.
  • Top with the cooked beef, sliced cheese, lettuce, and pickles. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top and place the top half of bread rolls on the sliders.
  • Brush the melted butter on top of the sliders and then top with sesame seeds (optional).
  • Bake the sliders for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Let sliders cool for a few minutes and then cut into 12 sliders.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Nutrition

Calories: 139 kcal, Carbohydrates: 3 g, Protein: 8 g, Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g, Trans Fat: 0.3 g, Cholesterol: 35 mg, Sodium: 535 mg, Potassium: 157 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 1 g, Vitamin A: 283 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 121 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 139
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: big mac sliders
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

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Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.04 from 30 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    My oldest found this recipe and begged me to make it. She was not disappointed and now the whole family wants them.

  2. 5 stars
    These were so good. I love a big mac so I needed to try this recipe. I was floored how great they were. Thanks for such an amazing recipe.

  3. 5 stars
    This recipe was a hit! My family loves big macs, and I have been experimenting with different ways to make them at home. The sauce was spot-on! Kids are already asking for me to make them again. Thanks!

  4. 5 stars
    This recipe looks so tasty and I really appreciate you including a plant-based alternative. Need to try!